IT’S A little known fact that Irish rugby’s biggest ambassador in New Zealand is undoubtedly the squad’s adopted Kiwi, Isaac Boss. Most Irish off-seasons he heads back to his home town of Tokoroa to spread the gospel by dispensing Irish jerseys and such like to his former school, Forest View High School, and his club, Southern United.

“Definitely there’s a few bags of Irish kit and Leinster kit and Ulster kit floating around Tokoroa and stuff,” he admits with a laugh. “They’re big supporters of our rugby as well. No, it’s good to get back here. It’s a bit of a stress at times as it takes away some of your holidays but it’s good to see family.”

The week of the Russian game in Rotarua, where the squad will begin their week in nearby Taupo, will afford Boss another opportunity to catch up with friends and family.

“A lot of them will come down to the New Plymouth match and get up to the Auckland match (against Australia) as well. But just the way it works I might not get to see a lot of them until afterwards.

“I might get a day off in Rotarua or Taupo and get across to see them. But business first.”

For Boss, relief at making the cut ahead of Tomás O’Leary and Peter Stringer in the ultra competitive scrumhalf position is now switched to making an impact here.

“It was five into three, now it’s three into two or one. It’s the same competition going on and on, it seems to be ever evolving.”